1910.27(b)(2): Safe Use of Rope Descent Systems
Employers must ensure rope descent systems are not used for heights greater than 300 feet unless other access is not feasible or more hazardous, are used per the manufacturer or a qualified person, are inspected each workshift, are properly rigged, and that each user is trained and wears a separate, independent personal fall arrest system. Prompt rescue, rope padding and stabilization for descents greater than 130 feet are also required.
Key takeaways
- 1910.27(b)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 9 inspections, with $122,505 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (3), NC (3), MA (2).
- Related part: 1910.27(b) Rope descent systems (23 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.27(b)(2) ("Use of rope descent systems") is one requirement inside 1910.27 Scaffolds and rope descent systems, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It includes 13 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(2) Use of rope descent systems. The employer must ensure: 14 citations
(i) No rope descent system is used for heights greater than 300 feet (91 m) above grade unless the employer demonstrates that it is not feasible to access such heights by any other means or that those means pose a greater hazard than using a rope descent system; Open (b)(2)(i)
(ii) The rope descent system is used in accordance with instructions, warnings, and design limitations set by the manufacturer or under the direction of a qualified person; 1 citations
(iii) Each employee who uses the rope descent system is trained in accordance with § 1910.30;
(iv) The rope descent system is inspected at the start of each workshift that it is to be used. The employer must ensure damaged or defective equipment is removed from service immediately and replaced; Open (b)(2)(iv) 4 citations
(v) The rope descent system has proper rigging, including anchorages and tiebacks, with particular emphasis on providing tiebacks when counterweights, cornice hooks, or similar non-permanent anchorages are used; 3 citations
(vi) Each employee uses a separate, independent personal fall arrest system that meets the requirements of subpart I of this part; 2 citations
(vii) All components of each rope descent system, except seat boards, are capable of sustaining a minimum rated load of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN). Seat boards must be capable of supporting a live load of 300 pounds (136 kg);
(viii) Prompt rescue of each employee is provided in the event of a fall;
(ix) The ropes of each rope descent system are effectively padded or otherwise protected, where they can contact edges of the building, anchorage, obstructions, or other surfaces, to prevent them from being cut or weakened; Open (b)(2)(ix) 4 citations
(x) Stabilization is provided at the specific work location when descents are greater than 130 feet (39.6 m);
(xi) No employee uses a rope descent system when hazardous weather conditions, such as storms or gusty or excessive wind, are present;
(xii) Equipment, such as tools, squeegees, or buckets, is secured by a tool lanyard or similar method to prevent it from falling; and
(xiii) The ropes of each rope descent system are protected from exposure to open flames, hot work, corrosive chemicals, and other destructive conditions.
[81 FR 82981, Nov. 18, 2016, as amended at 84 FR 68796, Dec. 17, 2019]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.27.
Export the list: 9 inspections cited 1910.27(b)(2) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.27(b)(2).
At 7:53 a.m. on October 23, 2023, an employee working as a Janitor for a janitorial service was preparing to conduct window washing operations from the 28th floor of a building down to the ground level. While climbing into the bosun's chair, the anchor line…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: NY (3), NC (3), MA (2), MO (2), TX (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 159822 - BURNS TREE AND CRANE, LLC | HORSE SHOE, NC | $59,580 |
| SKY SAFETY, INC. / HI-RISE, INC. | BOSTON, MA | $30,000 |
| JOBS BUILDING SERVICES, LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $9,534 |
| MTB SERVICES, INC. | KANSAS CITY, MO | $7,944 |
| MARK PRINCE LLC | NEW YORK, NY | $5,958 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.27(b)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.27(b) Rope descent systems 23 citations
- 1910.27(b)(1) Anchorages 9 citations
- 1910.27(b)(1)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.27(b)(2)(iv) 4 citations
- 1910.27(b)(2)(ix) 4 citations
- 1910.27(b)(1)(i) 3 citations
- 1910.27(b)(1)(iii)
- 1910.27(b)(2)(i)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the height limit for rope descent systems?
No use for heights greater than 300 feet above grade unless the employer shows other access is not feasible or poses a greater hazard.
How often must a rope descent system be inspected?
At the start of each workshift it is to be used; damaged equipment must be removed from service immediately.
What load must the components handle?
All components except seat boards must sustain a minimum rated load of 5,000 pounds; seat boards must support a live load of 300 pounds.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.27 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-01
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.